The Nellieball era is over, Don Nelson to resign

Winningest coach in NBA history to resign as head coach of the Warriors, assistant Keith Smart to take over. Posted by Matt Moore

Don Nelson has been involved in the NBA in some capacity nearly every single year since 1962. Somehow, despite eschewing every traditional basketball value (discipline, defense, poor sense of humor), he's managed to hang on year after year. But after turning 70 and with new ownership taking over in Golden State, talk had developed that his time may be done.

Smart is unlikely to differentiate significantly from the system he's been under immediately, but changes may be made in the same vein as Alvin Gentry's changes to the Warriors. With a better team composed around David Lee inside, the Warriors present a young, versatile team led by Stephen Curry. Then again, Smart could completely switch it up and run what's called, what is it, what's the word? Oh, yeah, a system.

But it will still be strange to see an NBA without Nelson in it, assuming he elects not to pursue another position during the season. At 70 years old, he's hinted strongly at retiring and walking away finally, but with Nelson, you never can tell. During his time, Nelson managed to take the tile of winningest coach in NBA history with 1,333 wins in his career.

There had been thought new owner Joe Lacob might retain Nelson due to the awkward timing of the finalization of the sale, but it would appear that moves to take the franchise into the future are already being set in motion.

We'll keep you updated on how the situation in Golden State progresses.

Single Best Don Nelson Moment

In 1982 (I think) when Brian Winters got absolutely hammered on a drive to the basket by Bobby Jones in the closing seconds of a tight game in Philadelphia and of course no foul was called. Nellie takes off his size 100 suit jacket and as he's storming onto the court throws it about 30' right at the referee. Classic.

Since: Feb 16, 2008

Posted on: September 23, 2010 9:06 pm

'Wow Nellie'

It is time to say 'wow nellie'.Don Nelson, a gentleman with outstanding credentials as one of 'The Association's' all-time greats, has had the young player psyche and ego zoom past him even as he has maintained an unorthodox game plan that preceeds many of the young coaches of today.

'Nellie' is gruff and rough toward his young players, something that stifles their creativity and development. This is certainly confusing based on his desire to push the ball, throw up threes and outscore and exhaust opponents independent of final score. See: Loyola-Marymount University of yesteryear.

Don: please consider a final retirement to your island home and make the smart move to allow Keith Smart, coach in waiting, to take the reigns. Certainly the players are eager to have instructions given by Keith, someone who has played more recently and understands the young player psyche.

Let's get smart

Pull in the reigns; wow Nellie.

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